A Monk Reading
1868
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1868
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Dominant colour
A Monk Reading is a 1868 oil by Jacques Alfred van Muyden, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
The painting depicts a monk seated in a wooden chair, engrossed in reading a book. He is attired in a brown robe with a hood, and his dark hair is neatly trimmed. The monk's gaze is fixed intently on the pages of the book, which he holds in his left hand. The background of the painting features a plain gray wall, providing a subtle contrast to the warm tones of the monk's attire. A small wooden table stands beside the monk, adorned with a few objects that add a touch of elegance to the scene. The overall atmosphere of the painting exudes a sense of serenity and contemplation, inviting the viewer to step into the monk's peaceful world. To explore more works by Jacques Alfred van Muyden, visit the Victoria and Albert Museum.